Friday, February 09, 2007

"Well, Maybe You Boys Need a Refresher Course"

Courtesy of Crooks & Liars, I found this Hardball clip of Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), discussing the role of Congress in declaring and waging war.

In what may be the most glaring display of ignorance I've ever seen from a politician, Rep. Cantor insists that Congress has no role in determing when and where the United States of America goes to war. None.

Sure, our stupid Constitution insists that Congress not only has a role in the decision to go to war, but is in fact the only part of our government with that power. And, sure, the War Powers Act insists that congressional power extends to all troop mobilizations, regardless of a declared war.

But Rep. Cantor isn't having any of that. He insists that the generals on the ground are the ones who'll determine who we fight, and that the Commander-in-Chief only needs to listen to them and then act. According to Cantor, President Bush never needed the authorizing resolution to go to war with Iraq. He only needed to consult with his lawyers and then let loose the dogs of war.

Seriously, that's what he says. Repeatedly. Even with a commercial break in there to gather his thoughts and a chance to restate them. Chris Matthews is so stunned by this unbelievable display of stupidity that his jaw's nearly on the desk.

The best part? This moron is the third-highest ranking Republican in the House. Unfuckingbelievable.